This quiet North Shore neighbourhood provides an unlikely location for an architectural landmark – Belmont’s Skelton Studio House.
Tucked behind an unassuming front fence, the Group Architects original has been revived and reimagined with an award-winning renovation undertaken by homeowner Piers Kay from Fearon Hay. The original 1950s mid-century design was elevated with Japanese-inspired detailing and although neglected over its life, was enough to entice long-term locals Piers and wife Alisha.
The mystery and intrigue is part of the appeal here, says Piers. “Everyone who makes that journey around the house from the street starts to discover and understand how different it is. It’s so tranquil and calm.”
This is thanks to not only the home itself, but the beautifully landscaped grounds that envelop it, designed by Jared Lockhart. “We really amplified the landscape. Even though it’s in suburbia, it doesn’t feel like you’re in a big residential set up.”
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The couple initially missed out on buying the house 10 years ago, when it was still under the original family’s ownership. While it had been rented out for decades and was in pretty bad shape, they recognised the historical significance and potential it offered.
“We didn’t manage to buy it then, a developer did and carved off some of the land for a new house,” he says. After keeping a very close eye on proceedings, they saw what looked to be subdivision underway so approached the agent and were finally able to purchase their property.
“It had lost a lot of its land and that’s why we were so keen to reestablish the gardens, because it was meant to be in a park-like setting originally,” he explains.
“We reached out to Julia Gatley, who has written quite a lot about the Group, and found out details about the house. All the old drawings and project collateral is on an archive at the University of Auckland.”
Tucked behind an unassuming front fence, the Group Architects original has been revived with an award-winning renovation by homeowner Piers Kay from Fearon Hay.
Homeowner and architect Piers Kay: “We got the kitchen exactly how we wanted it, we knew where every spatula would go, and the same with our wardrobes.”
Over time they have modernised and extended the footprint by a third, which Piers describes as “editing, restoring, renewing and developing”. “We didn’t want to be mid-century junkies with it, we wanted it more in line with our taste and to expand it.”
The original palette of plaster and warm timbers was enhanced with solid macrocarpa, band sawn cedar, pale stone and surfaces with bush-hammered edges.
“Being there at home in the day is so calm and peaceful,” Piers says. “I think that’s because of how simple and tonal the interiors are and that the garden gets all day sun in every season.”
Many exterior walls are made up of sliding glazed doors reminiscent of Japanese shoji. “There’s so much glass in that house, I think it’s 70% glass, which you just can’t do these days. The outlook and access to light and garden are the things we’ve loved the most about it.”
For the gardens, their brief to Lockhart was “low maintenance native”. This meant getting rid of all the lawn and creating seasonal interest with Jared’s inspired species selection, which includes boston ivy, burgundy lace trees, coastal rosemary and manuka. These frame pockets of outdoor living spaces, both pebbled and paved.
Many exterior walls are made up of sliding glazed doors reminiscent of Japanese shoji.
The property also has two dedicated off-street parks out front. The kitchen was designed with a sturdy dining table as its centre in lieu of an island, acting as an informal way of creating a practical space with a casual modern style.
A streamlined scullery/mud room provides more functional storage out of sight. A wood burner warms the open living and dining spaces, while two restful bedrooms are serviced by the spa-like bathroom.
The new extension was deliberately positioned lower to differentiate it from the original, as well as uniquely encased in unique expanded mesh that becomes covered in ivy over summer.
“The old house is still the hero in our minds and this is an attending space. I didn’t want to replicate the house material. When we approach heritage work in the studio, it’s not about trying to copy it. I think it can be confusing when it’s not clear what’s new and what’s old.”
The couple relished the opportunity to personalise the new incarnation.
“We got the kitchen exactly how we wanted it, we knew where every spatula would go, and the same with our wardrobes. We had time to think about all those details. My day job is all about doing things for clients, so it was super rewarding to be able to put the time and effort in and get that back for ourselves.”
The new extension was deliberately positioned lower to differentiate it from the original, as well as encased in unique expanded mesh that becomes covered in ivy over summer.
The beautifully landscaped grounds that can be admired from inside walls of glass windows was designed by Jared Lockhart.
With a second baby on the way, Piers and Alisha are now moving on to start their new chapter.
13 Bardia Street in Belmont, North Shore, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on October 10. The property has a 2021 CV of $1.25 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2015 for $857,000.
Michael Swarbrick, from Harcourts Cooper & Co, says that the buyer of this special property could be from anywhere in Auckland or even New Zealand, “because it’s not about where it is, it’s about what it is”.
The proportions would suit professional couples, downsizers and small families, he says, as well as buyers who perhaps wouldn’t have considered a two-bedroom home. “It’s a little sanctuary in Belmont, accessible to the city and beaches.”
He stresses that this is a place people need to experience in person to fully appreciate the meticulous detailing, captivating design and architectural brilliance.
“Buyers need to come and look at it, you just can’t judge this property based on photos.”
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